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The Hydro Majestic is an icon, and a wonderful old hotel that is located in Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains of NSW, Australia. It has a long and interesting history.
The Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
Great view from the The Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
Did you know?
- The hotel began as the Belgravia Hotel which was fully complete in 1891. It was created as a health retreat.
The Belgravia Hotel in 1910. Image from Wikipedia
- Mark Foy who was a wealthy retailer purchased the hotel in 1902 and wanted to create a hydropathic sanatorium due to the belief that under the land there was mineral springs. (It was found that the springs did not exist and possibly if they did it had dried up years ago. Mark Foy had mineral water imported from Germany. Fancy the cost of doing this! Apparently the water was imported in steel containers and when it arrived tasted terribe! Yes how awful after doing all this. Although guests were told to drink the water due to it being good for their health)
- Mark Foy successfully petitioned the NSW government to change the name of the town from Medlow as it was at the time to the now name of Medlow Bath. I did not know that there was another town called Medlow and Foy wanted to have no confusion over the name. However some think he wanted the name change to make the town and area sound more prestigious. (I suppose you cannot blame him)
- In WWII the building was turned into a hospital for US Troops
- The hotel has heritage listing and got it in 1984.
- In 2008 the hotel was purchased by The Escarpment Group. It has been closed since 2008 and has been refurbished and updated to bring it back to its former glory.
Inside the wonderful Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
The Escarpment Group has worked tirelessly to bring this much loved part of history back to her glory days. “A team of highly revered heritage experts, architecture specialists and designers were enlisted, with particular weight given to examining and respecting the Hydro Majestic’s social history and heritage. The plans add the 21st Century layer, mindful of the past, but always with a vision of the future.” (Hyrdo Majestic Website)
Finished places to sit and rest at the Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
The girls have always known the Hydro as what looked like a castle. I have been there before but the former owners did not do the place justice. It was run down, terrible and just a poor reflection of what it could be. I was so excited to know that a group had invested the money, time and energy into making her glow again not just for their gain but for the area.
I have thought that the dome on the casino reminds me of Taronga Zoo, well the older part of the Zoo. It could be similar architecture but it makes me think of the time I went to the zoo with my grandad.
Having the Hydro up and working again is great for the Blue Mountains and for Medlow Bath. It draws people to the area, it shows you what can be done, allows crafts and produce from locals to be sold, gives locals more jobs and of course we now have a lovely venue for lunches, teas, drinks and conferences/gatherings again.
Stunning areas to dine at the Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
The first part of the hotel re-opening is the food and store house or otherwise known as the Hydro Pavilion. The pavilion is where you can buy local produce and goods that is all from the Blue Mountains and surrounds. I cannot wait to go there and to check it all out.
This weekend the Hydro is having High Teas in The Wintergarden like they did last weekend as they are slowing opening all areas soon. I would have loved to have gone but think with two kids a fancy high tea would have been wasted on them. I am waiting to book with the Boiler room for lunch.
Stunning areas to dine at the Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
By the end of the year the second part of the refurbishment should be finished and the accommodation will be open for the public. Cannot wait for that to happen. It has been a big job and I must say that it looks amazing from the driving back and forth I have been doing.
Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
The kids always comment when we drive past, “Mummy, they are working today! Geez mommy they are doing a good job!” “Wow, they have the roof on mummy!” “Look, windows and lights now!”
The girls have marveled at all the changes just like we have. It has been amazing to watch!
Great view of the detail of the ceiling and lights at the Hydro Majestic. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
I have made a promise to the twins that when it opens I will take them to the new hotel. They are super excited and cannot wait to go and explore and see all the changes close up. The pictures are just lovely to drool over and I so see myself in a fancy dress sipping a cocktail or two here. (A night with just hubby and me is in order soon)
Stylish refurbishment bring the Hydro back to life. Image by David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism
Feel the urge to have a peek at the Hydro? Wish to have some High Tea? Then give the Hydro a call.
Bookings and details: (02) 4780 1305, [email protected] or www.hydromajestic.com.au
Poster advertising the hotel from the 1920s. Image from Wikipedia
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